A new exhibition by Toronto-born artist Jason Boyd Kinsella, titled 'Alchemy of the Eternal Self,' is currently on view at Perrotin in Shanghai. The collection features large-scale oil on canvas portraits that use abstract shapes and colors to explore human emotion and inner life. These geometric figures, some standing several feet tall, aim to create a direct encounter with viewers, inviting them to connect with universal feelings.
Key Takeaways
- Jason Boyd Kinsella's exhibition, 'Alchemy of the Eternal Self,' is at Perrotin in Shanghai.
- The show features large, abstract portraits built from geometric shapes and colors.
- Kinsella explores human emotion and inner experiences through these unique figures.
- The artist draws inspiration from art history, including Jean-François Millet's 'The Gleaners.'
- The exhibition runs until October 24, 2025.
Exploring Emotion Through Abstract Forms
Jason Boyd Kinsella describes himself as a collector. This approach is visible in how he constructs his art. He brings together various shapes and colors to form figures that convey specific human emotions. His work is known for its ability to capture complex feelings using abstract elements.
The new series, 'Alchemy of the Eternal Self,' builds on Kinsella's previous explorations of portraiture. He focuses on the fundamental components of our internal experiences. Each painting presents a figure that is larger than life, often dominating the canvas.
"I am a collector of things at heart," Kinsella has stated, referencing his method of assembling forms to capture human emotion.
The Scale and Presence of the Artworks
Many of the artworks in the exhibition are substantial in size. For instance, 'Chris' (2025) measures 189 x 159 centimeters. These dimensions allow the geometric figures to appear larger than most viewers. This scale is intentional, designed to create a powerful presence and draw the observer into a direct engagement with the artwork.
The bold personalities of these figures invite viewers to pause and consider the emotions they represent. This direct interaction is a core aspect of Kinsella's artistic vision, aiming to bridge the gap between abstract representation and human understanding.
Exhibition Details
- Title: Alchemy of the Eternal Self
- Artist: Jason Boyd Kinsella
- Location: Perrotin, Shanghai
- Dates: On view through October 24, 2025
Inspiration From Art History and Body Language
Kinsella's artistic process involves more than just facial expressions. He also incorporates body language into his figures. One notable example is the painting 'Luna' (2025), which measures 104 x 124 centimeters. This piece shows a hunched character with a sleek, white bob haircut and a perpetual frown.
The figure's long fingers reach towards the ground as she turns her head to look out of the frame. This bent posture is a direct reference to Jean-François Millet's 1857 painting, 'The Gleaners.' Millet's famous work depicted the difficult labor of the lowest classes and aimed to generate sympathy for them.
Historical Context: 'The Gleaners'
Jean-François Millet's 'The Gleaners' is a pivotal 19th-century Realist painting. It portrays three peasant women gleaning a field after harvest, collecting leftover grain. The work highlighted social inequality and the harsh realities of rural poverty, sparking debate when first exhibited in 1857.
By drawing from such historical works, Kinsella connects contemporary abstract art with enduring themes from art history. He uses these historical echoes to add layers of meaning to his modern, Cubist-inspired portraits.
Connecting Timeless Emotions
Kinsella's work aims to puzzle together both timely and enduring human experiences. His Cubist paintings, characterized by their geometric fragmentation, seek to demonstrate that despite outward differences, people share a common emotional foundation. This concept is central to 'Alchemy of the Eternal Self.'
The exhibition suggests that pure feeling and expression can reveal a universal emotional DNA. This idea resonates across his diverse figures, from 'Graham' (2025), an oil on canvas measuring 109 x 89 centimeters, to 'Helen' (2025), at 159 x 134 centimeters.
- 'Freddy' (2025): Oil on canvas, 184 x 184 centimeters
- 'Paula' (2025): Oil on canvas, 189 x 159 centimeters
These works reinforce the artist's message that regardless of how distinct individuals may appear, their internal emotional landscapes often share fundamental similarities. Kinsella effectively uses abstract forms to articulate these shared human truths.
The exhibition provides an opportunity for art enthusiasts to engage with Kinsella's unique approach to portraiture. His blend of abstract geometry, vibrant color, and historical references offers a fresh perspective on the human condition. Visitors to Perrotin in Shanghai can experience these impactful artworks firsthand until the exhibition concludes.
